News

BGS/BSAS Conference

Published 1 March 13

pH plays an important role in dictating how much of the N, P and
K in the soil is available to the grass plant, however over 50% of
soil sampled in 2012 had a pH below 6.

Soil compaction

Soil compaction can significantly reduce the neutralising effect
of lime. In addition, compaction reduces pore space in the soil so
there is less space for oxygen. The anaerobic conditions generated
in the soil decrease plant available N and increase gaseous N
losses. DairyCo currently has a study running on
soil compaction and its link to nitrogen efficiency.

Improving nutrient efficiencies

Professor Dave Chadwick from Bangor highlighted four key points
for improving nutrient use efficiency on farm:

Maintaining good soil structure

Testing soils

Use of clover in the sward

Choosing the right fertiliser type and applying this in the
correct conditions. For more information see the BGS booklet
Digging Out the Answers.

Further information from the
conference in the next issue of Forage for Knowledge